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GENERAL INFORMATION
15
Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while boating (it
is the law). Alcohol or drug use impairs your judgment and greatly
reduces your ability to react quickly.
Prepare other boat operators. Instruct at least one other person on
board in the basics of starting and operating the outboard, and boat
handling, in case the driver becomes disabled or falls overboard.
Passenger boarding. Stop the engine whenever passengers are
boarding, unloading, or are near the back (stern) of the boat. Just
shifting the outboard into neutral is not sufficient.
Be alert. The operator of the boat is responsible by law to maintain
a proper lookout by sight and hearing. The operator must have an
unobstructed view particularly to the front. No passengers, load,
or fishing seats should block the operators view when operating
the boat above idle speed.
Never drive your boat directly behind a water skier in case the skier
falls. As an example, your boat traveling at 40 km/h (25 MPH) will
overtake a fallen skier 61 m (200 ft.) in front of you in 5 seconds.
Watch fallen skiers. When using your boat for water skiing or
similar activities, always keep a fallen or down skier on the
operator's side of the boat while returning to assist the skier. The
operator should always have the down skier in sight and never
back up to the skier or anyone in the water.
Report accidents. Boat operators are required by law to file a
Boating Accident Report with their state boating law enforcement
agency when their boat is involved in certain boating accidents. A
boating accident must be reported if 1) there is loss of life or
probable loss of life, 2) there is personal injury requiring medical
treatment beyond first aid, 3) there is damage to boats or other
property where the damage value exceeds $500.00 or 4) there is
complete loss of the boat. Seek further assistance from local law
enforcement.